Judge Aileen Cannon’s Right-Wing Junket: The Untold Story Behind the Trump Case Dismissal

Federal Judge Aileen M. Cannon, known for dismissing the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump, did not disclose her attendance at a May 2023 banquet backed by a conservative law school. This event, held in Arlington, Virginia, honored the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, as per documents from the Law and Economics Center at George Mason University. Cannon mingled with members of Scalia’s family and over 30 conservative federal judges, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

A rule established in 2006 mandates judges to disclose attendance at paid seminars, including posting such information on the court’s website within 30 days. However, Cannon has previously failed to comply with this requirement. In 2021 and 2022, she attended weeklong legal colloquiums at the Sage Lodge in Montana, which are affiliated with George Mason. These gatherings, supported by conservative benefactor Leonard Leo, required timely disclosure, which was only filed after inquiries from NPR, aiming to address inconsistencies in judicial transparency.

Cannon’s clerk stated that while she filed the outings with the judiciary’s office, the requisite public postings didn’t follow, citing a misunderstanding of the procedure. No information was provided about the May 2023 event. Virginia Canter, chief ethics counsel for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, emphasized that judges must uphold the law to maintain public trust.

Records show Cannon’s husband accompanied her on previous trips, which were intertwined with various legal discussions and activities featuring noted conservative figures. Judges are legally required to submit annual financial disclosures, which should include gifts and reimbursements from outside sources.

As of now, Cannon’s 2023 annual disclosure remains unpublished. Although she reported participation in the Montana events, related seminar disclosures still appeared missing. The administrative office of her court refrained from commenting on whether extended filing deadlines had been set or if the 2023 disclosures complied with regulations.

Criticism surrounds Cannon’s judicial performance, with observers highlighting her inconsistency in rendering decisions and handling complex cases. Her dismissal of the Special Counsel Jack Smith’s case alleging Trump’s mishandling of classified documents has fueled ongoing debates about her judiciary actions. Smith is currently appealing to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, while ethics advocates have called for a reassessment of her involvement.

Despite the scrutiny, Trump has praised Cannon for her decisions, further complicating her judiciary reputation. George Mason University’s Law and Economics Center has long facilitated programs for judges, including Supreme Court justices, framing its curriculum around conservative legal ideologies. However, the university maintains that the responsibility for disclosure rests solely with the judges.

The guest list for the May event included notable figures such as William H. Pryor Jr., chief judge of the 11th Circuit, involved in reviewing Cannon’s past rulings. Previously, this court has overruled her twice regarding the Trump matter, underscoring ongoing tensions and challenges to her authority.

Gabe Roth, leading Fix the Court, commented on the necessity for judges to reliably report their seminar engagements, stating it provides insight into their influences. Following her attendance at the Scalia Forum, Cannon reportedly submitted minor reimbursement claims and expressed interest in future legal events, although she opted out of an upcoming colloquium due to scheduling conflicts.